Where was the world's first zoo?
Historians aren’t sure exactly when the first zoo was built, but it’s clear humans have kept exotic animals for thousands…
May 23, 2022
285
Technology
What is monkeypox? A microbiologist explains what's known about this smallpox cousin
Monkeypox has been spreading in humans since as early as 1970. While most monkeypox infections are mild, some can be fatal.
May 20, 2022
525
Over 100 years of Antarctic agriculture is helping scientists grow food in space
Scientists just grew plants in soil from the Moon, but Antarctica has long provided researchers with the perfect place to…
May 20, 2022
277
'Dracula Daily' reanimates the classic vampire novel for the age of memes and snark
A newsletter sends out chronological snippets from the 125-year-old novel ‘Dracula.’ Fans on the internet go wild.
May 20, 2022
464
Nonprogrammers are building more of the world's software – a computer scientist explains 'no-code'
Developing software used to require programming skills. Today, a growing number of people are building websites, games and…
May 18, 2022
318
Zinc is a metal essential to life – scientists have discovered a protein that helps keep cells alive
While iron and calcium are the metals that get the most attention, zinc is also important for human health and function.
May 17, 2022
280
It's impossible to determine your personal COVID-19 risks and frustrating to try – but you can still
People want a simple answer. Is this action safe? But despite Anthony Fauci bouncing responsibility for COVID-19 risk assessment…
May 17, 2022
232
Online data could be used against people seeking abortions if Roe v. Wade falls
Data privacy is an abstract issue for most people, even though virtually everyone is at risk. If abortion becomes illegal,…
May 16, 2022
470
Could people breathe the air on Mars?
Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun and one of our closest neighbors in space. But it’s not a very welcoming place…
May 16, 2022
288
Say hello to Sagittarius A*, the black hole at the center of the Milky Way galaxy
Sagittarius A* is a massive black hole at the center of the Milky Way. Now that astronomers have imaged it, they can begin…
May 12, 2022
300
The idea that power poses boost your confidence fell from favor – but a new review of the research c
For a while it was all the rage to adopt Wonder Woman’s famous stance and other body positions that allegedly pumped up…
May 12, 2022
307
Using ‘science’ to market cookies and other products meant for pleasure backfires with consumers
New research found that consumers were less likely to buy a product associated with pleasure if marketers emphasized it…
May 12, 2022
427
Wealthy nations are carving up space and its riches – and leaving other countries behind
Current trends suggest that powerful nations are defining the rules of resource use in space and satellite access in ways…
May 11, 2022
266
What is fentanyl and why is it behind the deadly surge in US drug overdoses? A medical toxicologist
Fentanyl’s wide availability in the drug supply has led to an increase in unintentional overdoses. While prevention strategies…
May 10, 2022
520
Electric eels inspired the first battery two centuries ago and now point a way to future battery tec
One species of eel can discharge 860 volts of electricity – that’s 200-fold higher than the top voltage of a single…
May 9, 2022
387
Elon Musk says relaxing content rules on Twitter will boost free speech, but research shows otherwis
Elon Musk said he wants to make Twitter a platform for free speech. Here is what research shows about claims of political…
May 9, 2022
427
What does an octopus eat? For a creature with a brain in each arm, whatever's within reach
With nine brains, blue blood and a talent for camouflage, the octopus is one of the most fascinating creatures in the sea.
May 9, 2022
297
COVID-19 official counts can miss mild cases – here's how serosurveys that analyze blood for signs o
Your blood can hold a record of past illnesses. That information can reveal how many people have had a certain infection…
May 6, 2022
273
In Antarctica, scientists discover a vast, salty groundwater system under the ice sheet – with impli
Liquid water below the ice determines how fast an ice stream flows. As the ice sheet gets thinner, more of that salty groundwater…
May 5, 2022
473
Corals and sea anemones turn sunscreen into toxins – understanding how could help save coral reefs
Researchers have long suspected that an ingredient in sunscreen called oxybenzone was harming corals, but no one knew how.…
May 5, 2022
508